Effects Of Ivermectin On Some Reproductive Indices Of Male Albino Rats:- Eze, Jane-Frances C

ABSTRACT This present study investigated the effect of ivermectin on some reproductive indices of male albino rats. 6 adult albino male rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (A to C) group A which served as control received distilled water 5 ml/kg while groups B and C received 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg respectively. All drugs were administered at weekly interval for 4 consecutive weeks through the subcutaneous route following termination of ivermectin injection, 15 adult female untreated rats were randomly introduced to the males (n = 5) and allowed to mate freely for 21 days. The parameters evaluated showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in semen colour, semen consistency, semen pH, sperm morphology, spermatozoa concentration and spermatozoa mass motility in the test groups compared to the control group, while there.was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in spermatozoa individual motility across the groups. The size ofthe testicles ofthe rats administered 4 mg/kg were significantly reduced relative to the body compared to the control group.The adverse effects seen on liter size, liter weight, percentage mortality etc was more pronounced in the 4 mg/kg group and percentage fertility index was 100%, 60% and 100% respectively, Histopatholology slides from the group administered 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg showed degeneration and necrosis ofthe spermatids and spermatogonia. The effects ofthe drug in all the parameters investigated were dose dependent.